What mark can we leave on others crossing our Path?
bridge to siberia ISeries/ MPRINTS
Know that my heartfelt prayers to all who are suffering from the virus. And my sincere gratitude and prayers to all who are helping those who are sick and dying. May you find peace in your compassionate, loving care.
Through your new and altered perspective, you observe things you never noticed before.
Suddenly, the skies are quiet.
The birds are singing you awake. Traffic is a memory, and your schedule is what you make it.
And, yes, there is time.
CLICK HERE FOR A PERSONAL MESSAGE from me
I thought it might be a small gift to share with you a series I am working on, based on recently composed music called ” imprints.”
The instrumental music ”explores the mark that people leave on you throughout life.” Thinking about that concept of “making a mark,” that can stay and shape the course of another soul’s journey is compelling!
Suddenly you can realize the power of giving, sharing, and listening to each person with whom you interact.
Exactly. The reason I make my marks and brushstrokes is to share with you the beauty and truth that I often observe as I live my day.
I am so grateful to be able to share this work as it evolves from the beginning. I will share the music with you when I complete the series!
Keep well. Believe. Hope.
Love,
Beth
3 Life Lessons Transforming Obstacles Into Opportunities
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A little story about persistence
I loved painting, drawing from when I was three. In high school, I did not get the best artist award. I knew I was one of the top artists, so I wanted to find out why. I found a moment to speak with the art teacher. She answered me sincerely and kindly, saying that it was not about my work, but she felt I wasn’t persistent enough. When I left her, I was distraught but decided never to let that happen again!
Lesson #1 What I learned, was that in life, Don’t take your creativity for granted! Nurture it.
Why I love to make things:
Through creating art, I express my thoughts and ideas. After realizing how much I so enjoyed making things, I pursued art and art education in undergrad and graduate school.
Life changed …
as I got married to a scientist who loved that I was an artist ( Not everyone likes that you have a passion!). We had three boys, and from the beginning, I had to make time to do art. I felt I had no time to work on it. Did I let that stop me? No!
Lesson #2 Solve a problem by turning it into an opportunity.
I used a large free zippered bag and put watercolor pencils/crayons, a water pen, a glue stick, a little piece of fabric and my favorite pen, pencil, eraser and a small/ medium journal. Anytime I was waiting for someone to get out of school or at a concert or game, I sketched. I never had the time to go through the journals until I had to move them off their shelves when we did some construction, four years ago. I thought I had 30. I had 130 journals!
I loved teaching art!
Yes, it took time away from making art but gave me a window into reading about creativity.
I began to teach as if teaching was a work of art! (And it is!) Intellectual growth became a priority in my teaching art. I researched the creative process and art history so I could provide my 600 elementary students with creative thinking tools! There are many excellent books on creativity, the best of which I have listed on the handout postcard
My favorite way of sequencing the creative process gleaned from a book called “Sparks of Genius” by Michelle and Robert Root-Bernstein. They were a writer and a scientist, interested in how the world’s most creative people, think.
They interviewed people from all disciplines..such as science, math, writing, engineering, architecture, philosophy since the goal was to reintegrate knowledge and imagination across all disciplines
So here are the 13 thinking tools of the world’s most creative people;
You can easily begin to use these thinking skills by just Observing the images, sounds around you.
I often envisioned having entire days to do my artwork.
Uhmm Not really.
To sell/share my work, I need to do marketing, social media, make sales, prepare exhibits, workshops, exercise, volunteer, and visiting family, and friends. I am now re-learning to prioritize by blocking out my painting and journaling as priorities. I am transforming what seemed to be less in terms of quantity of time, into a new way to be inspired and share my work with others. Last year I had five exhibits!
Lesson #3 Create art from your heart from the material of your life. It feeds your spirit, body, and soul.
I honor the artist in you!
If you have any questions or want to say hi, you may reach me on my website. Artists need to stay in touch with each other.
How to focus on inner goals when distractions crush you
Fist sketch in my current journal, researching with my meandering lines and experimenting with placement and color.. 2018
I am up early writing again because I had thoughts spilling out of my head.
New ideas are building on the scaffolding of this current exhibit. They are beginning to appear in my consciousness. Focus!
Yes, I know how it feels to have my focus fractured by outside stimuli! What helps me is to relax.
In fact, as I tap out these words, I am sipping a tall glass of water with fresh lime and lemon slices. Relaxing.
I also find that it is important to look at something that I love. So I surround myself with quiet, images and views that I love. Many times these are relaxing, and they also can invite critical thinking. This fuels my work.
For these reasons and more, I invite you to see my current exhibit.
The exhibit that “we” opened on Sunday at the Shelter Rock Gallery of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation is incredible! Standing in the middle of my marks made on paper and canvas I engage in conversation and thoughts generated by the images and the lookers, is both humbling and energizing!
There is a myth that artists mainly work alone.
But I have not been working alone. All of your helping hands and interested and generous artists, collectors and friends, have made this quality and amount f work displayed in this lovely venue, possible!
I am thrilled to offer this opportunity to you view this exhibit in person in Manhasset through October 23rd! Just contact me or call (516) 472-2933 to make an appointment with Elaine to see the Gallery. If you are not able to get there and would like to view the complete “seeking refuge series” just tap this link to see it all together!
I love to hear your responses and answer your many questions about my concepts, materials and how to own your favorites to inspire you each day. Just contact me here !
I am excitedly filling my journal with my new barely formed visual ideas! Keep up with my process on Instagram and Facebook in between newsletters!
Reach Out To Embrace Beauty Found In Last Minute Changes
Mid process of charcoal underdrawing on a triptych of three canvases, for the "seeking refuge " series. Just waiting to start with paint beth vendryes williams
I certainly had no trouble finding the beauty in my latest schedule change
and Autentico has some fresh new watercolors on its walls! Go take a look! I had a lot of fun making them! I will be making more this summer. Let me know if you would like add a fresh little watercolor to brighten up a room. I find making and gazing at them acts like a petite moment of meditation
After a hiatus, during which I painted awesome fresh veggies and fruits from Youngs’s Farm and also Whole Foods, I am back working in charcoal, pastels, and oils on the “seeking refuge” series.
I spent the day today sitting in front of the drawings, planning color combinations and application with the oil painting. Because I don’t use solvents, but love the feel and look of oils, I need to plan my method out to be “alla prima” otherwise known as “direct painting”. It is a challenge, but I love working spontaneously with a medium. Putting my heart out there!
How awesome to immediately take the idea from my eyes to my head to my heart to the hands to the surface
It was a little nerve-racking, but I finally began it in the late afternoon.
Soon, I am having an exhibit of about 45 pieces of my work! The opening is on Sunday, September 23 from 1pm - 3pm. Oh yes, that is next month!
Yikes!
it will be awesome to see you, share my work and hear your honest response to the pieces that pieces that affect you the most![http://www.bethvendryeswilliams.com/new-events/seeking-refuge-reception]
here is the challenge - a struggle to envision compassion
Seeking refuge series is in process....what's the hold up? charcoal on paper bethvendryes williams
Did you ever find that when you focus on something, the universe seems to align in a type of synchronicity to help you expand your experience? It seems, that when I knock, another door opens!
Let me present the scenario.
I was standing in my studio, reflecting upon my first charcoal drawing. I cannot bring myself to put even one mark on the other two blank papers! Typical creative block! I know I must move forward with faith in my original theme, seeking refuge.
So I toned the paper with charcoal while mulling over the quandary of visually expressing compassion.
Then a good friend invited me and my husband to a film at the Arts cinema near us. It was a moment of synchronicity! The title, you ask?
“Undocumented.”
Based on his book. Harold Fernandez, MD, now one of the top cardiac surgeons in the NYC metropolitan area, tells his true story. It is compelling, frightening and heartfelt. He tells of his journey from Colombia to being undocumented in the United States.
For a deep understanding of the refugee experience that is not based on dualism, it is a powerful reminder that each unique human being deserves to be treated with dignity. See it. If not available in your area, contact Patricia Shih .
Each time you reach out your hand in compassion, you are sharing the power of love.
beth vendryes williams
What happened to inspire faith in the artist within me
Winter branches #727 8" x 8" x.75 oil on board beth vendryes williams
My first memory of drawing was when I was three years old.
My first memory of drawing was when I was three years old.
I didn’t know what an “artist “ was. I just liked the feeling of making marks on paper. I felt empowered knowing I could make colors and my parents loved what I made.
Invariably, through the formative years, I was asked to draw anytime it was needed. I loved the process of making, building, sewing, baking, painting things!As long as I was creating something and learning something new, I was happily involvedI loved to read, also, and remember visualizing and, stopping periodically to digest and translate words into my visual.
At Our Lady of Mercy Academy (high school)
I remember realizing that, although I could have gone into other fields, The process of creating made my heart sing! It was important to me to make something physical, marks that expressed ideas I had in my head.
I did have an intuitive art teacher and a holistic education from my teachers at Mercy. I suddenly realized, when I was 14, that history, art, French, science, literature, and music were all looking at the same world, but each through a different prism. I was astounded and found that my worldview expanded and I could understand concepts from different perspectives.
At the same, I was reading a book by Teilhard de Chardin, who was a Jesuit, philosopher, and paleontologist. He saw the world through the lenses of science and prayer. I understood that.
Two years later, I remember the moment
when I chose art as my focus because I wanted to be creating things every day for the rest of my life. It was the middle of the Senior year. I had asked my beloved art teacher why I had not gotten an art award. She said I was very talented, but I wasn't persistent enough. That answer caused me to decide to focus on what I found freedom and joy in creating something visible from just an idea in my head.
I chose to make a difference in the world by observing, then listening to an idea in my head, and guiding my hand to put it on paper.
I haven't stopped since!
What helped you decide to focus on your life work? I would love to hear your story in comments ,or keep in touch on instagram or facebook, below!
For the first time, I decided to become an artist
My first memory of drawing was when I was three years old.
I didn’t know what an “artist “ was. I just liked the feeling of making marks on paper. I felt empowered knowing I could make colors and my parents loved what I made.
Invariably, through the formative years, I was asked to draw anytime it was needed. I loved the process of making, building, sewing, baking, painting things!As long as I was creating something and learning something new, I was happily involved
I loved to read, also, and remember visualizing and, stopping periodically to digest and translate words into my visual.
At Our Lady of Mercy Academy High school, I remember realizing that, although I could have gone into other fields, I was most moved by the process of creating what was important to me by making physical, tactile expressionistic marks. I did have an intuitive art teacher and holistic education there, which is why I realized when I was 14, that history, art, French, science, literature, and music were connected, and just different ways of interpreting the world.
I remember the moment when I chose art as my focus, because I wanted to be creating things every day for the rest of my life. It was the middle of the Senior year while discussing with my art teacher the value of commitment to art that I realized creativity as a guiding force in my life.
And so it continues today!
Overcome old failures, observe & draw daily
Wow, that was like watching a movie! Portraits just kept coming...
I have always drawn and painted, so when I was a teenager, a neighbor commissioned me to create a portrait of her child. Taking a risk, I jumped at the challenge and went to work!
That portrait was rejected.
Over the years, I have painted only two commissioned portraits, each well received. However, I was not satisfied. I always felt that I needed to be more confident in my ability to quickly sketch and capture the unique characteristics of any person. I just accepted that it didn't come naturally to me. Crazy, right?
I finally got up the courage to take a portrait drawing course in November and December. Astonishingly, in those two months, I had the pleasure of reaching my challenge! Now I look forward to creating a unique likeness every chance I get! It is a joy and a blessing that has spurred me to expand my art into other mediums and new subjects.
Check these portraits out here!
I am so glad I decided to face my fears and try! Can you think of something you would like to dare to try again?
With gratitude...
beth vendryes williams wrapped in clouds 2017
“Sometimes our light goes out, but is blown again into instant flame
by an encounter with another human being.
Each of us owes the deepest thanks to those
who have rekindled this inner light.
Dr. Albert Schweitzer”
And so it goes with us all.
As I journey through each day, so many times a friend or a stranger will help me to navigate difficulties. Even online, I have met the incredibly thoughtful people. I want to thank you.
Today, I am enhancing building my skills and opening my mind. I am taking a fantastic online drawing course with Gillian Lee Smith, a dynamic live drawing course with Carlo D’Anselmi at New York Studio School, and an online workshop with artists and Paul Klein, having dialogues about truth and vulnerability & opportunities for artists and in our work. The last 3 years I had worked with Alyson B. Stanfield.
My artist mentors spanning my careerhave been incredibly helpful in being true my vision. I thank Sister Stephanie, Douglass Morse Howell,Dan Welden,Mauricio Lasansky, Ben Frank Moss, Bruce Gagnier,Ron Milewicz, Madeleine L'Engle.
As my work grows, I am so grateful to you who support my work in what ever way works for you; collecting, reading my posts,commenting, sharing studio space, offering support and just taking time to look. I understand that art is a universal communication complete only when received by another person. I so appreciate you taking the time to do that.
To be sure,I want to thank my sons and their lovely ladies and friends who observe, listen and make suggestions. I especially am grateful to my dear husband who has supported my dream steadfastly from our very beginnings!
My upcoming events are, in large part, because of this support!
Thank you, with all my heart,
beth
You see, those breathtaking clouds are beautiful, weightless water
crowd of clouds 941 solarplate print 2017 bybeth vendryes williams
“Just as melancholy, that raincloud of the mind, expands our capacity for creativity, so does actual gloomy weather — clouds, it turns out, offer something possibly more tangible, certainly more pragmatic, than “contemplation [that] benefits the soul”; their proverbial silver lining is more than proverbial... Maria Popova ”
I have been admiring the ever-changing clouds in the sky, remarking about their overwhelmingly sculptural appearance and fluid movement. Water has been on my mind a lot lately. In fact, I have just exhibited a Solarplate print called “rushing waters’, at New York Studio School Gallery in August. After that I was inspired to do more work about “water” , using the technique of Solarplate printing.
While driving through NY state this summer, I spent lots of time just looking and taking letting clouds become my focus! It dawned on me that they are “just” water, too. They are cycling water up to the sky, shading the earth from the heat of the sun, and raining back down to water the earth.
Why I feel so inspired by clouds…
They can look so delicate and ethereal and yet, may times colossal and ponderous. Always beautiful. Endlessly changing. sometimes threatening.
“Clouds give our imaginations room to wander. We can even fly through them, although they look like you can walk ON them. And they are vital to our existence because they are beautiful and they bring water to us!
beth vendryes williams”
What am I doing about it….
I am making art and collecting ideas about water in its different forms. I am playing with its connections with our very own earth and the people on it, celebrating and investigating our connections, in my work.
Follow my clouds on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Transform hope into substance. Seize the day!
rushing waters 30" x 22" solarplate print is featured in NYSS exhibit and in the Paddle 8 auction!
Sometimes, all it takes is being persistent and pushing forward with your passion.
Believe in yourself and go forward, one step at a time, embracing the process! I am sharing this with you, my friend, because it happens to me.I made a decision this spring, to take definitive, concrete actions on opportunities to share my art!
If not now, when?
So I decided to enter a juried Alumni show at New York Studio School... and got accepted. The opening reception happened on July 27th, revealing an astounding amount of outstanding and earnest work. The artists, teachers and art lovers were heard in animated conversations, discussing work with each other and with interested bystanders. The three rooms were crowded and warm, but energetic and lively!
If you can go to the NYSS to see the exhibit, you will see diversity and energy that is rare. The work is up until August 27th.
Oh, and if you would like to participate in the auction,
many works will be featured on Paddle 8, the international auction house, beginning on August 11th. Thirty percent of the final bid price will go to support NYSS!
Your time will be well spent, and you just might discover some work you never imagined before!
Seize the day, bringing that energy to your life and your goals. whatever they may be.
And while you are seizing the day, subscribe to my blog to let me know of your creative ideas. Keep up with my progress as I put one foot in front of the other and continue to strive.We can support each other in this.
What you focus on determines where you go
True story.
This summer when I was cleaning out my studio office, I discovered that, over my lifetime, I had shelved not 30, but 130 journals! All because I decided that I wanted to make art. I worked full time, didn’t have a studio or supplies and was actively involved and madly in love with my husband and three sons.
I decided that I would create a portable studio and carry it around in my rather roomy handbag. Over the years, the size of journals and types of materials have changed, but one thing remained constant. I never had to be without a place to put my thoughts and ideas, marks and paintings. My daily life became my source for ideas.
Why is this important?
We each have been given a precious life. Reflection on it is essential for realizing our fullest potential of who we are.
Journaling, both written and visual can do that. I will show you how. Register now and receive a free original sketch from me when you attend. Call Oyster Bay Historical Society and reserve your spot. Contact me. This Sunday will come and go. Only you can make a decision to make a difference in your life.
If not now, when?
Painting daily - journals at the source
Blue Hydrangeas #726 down the garden path #728 through morning light #723
by beth vendryes williams
Opening my new exhibit, Painting daily; journals at the source,
was delicious, beautiful and well attended! Delicious, has to do with homemade apple cider donuts, as well! The paintings continue to hang beautifully on the walls through January. So if you missed it I invite to go right over to the Oyster Bay Historical Society!
It was very exciting for me to see many curious, enthusiastic art explorers as they investigated my journals, finding much they could relate to in my imagery and words.
I have been searching for ways to record my marks in journals, since the 1970’s. You can read more about that here.
This show was inspired by
my casual estimate of a 30 journal cache on the top shelves of a bookcase. The number turned out to be 130 journals! The Oyster Bay Historical Society Historical Society director, Phillip Blocklyn, stopped by to see work at my studio as I was trying to figure out what I was going to do now that they sat on my work table. He pointedly made a connection with Mary Cooper, living in Oyster Bay in 1768, She is thought to be the oldest known woman diarist in New York State!
When I explored the continuity of themes,
lines, colors, and shapes that have continued to influence my work, I decided to catalogue the images and words. This way I could tag them, and within this confluence of events, the idea for this show was born.
In the Earle-Wightman House, where the exhibit is installed, I have placed excerpts on the wall about why I made each painting. A sketch from my journal, mirroring a line, color, shape or subject matter of the painting is also under the painting. Finally, many of the paintings are accompanied by comparable quotes from Mary Cooper’s Oyster Bay diaries, begun in 1768. A mural painted on canvas recently for a photo shoot creates a dynamic background for half of the paintings. I had fun using it to full effect, what with crashing waves at twilight, a spooky house and lighthouse and a cliff!
Why not stop by?
Make sure you ask to take a close look at a journal or two. And sign up there for the Journalling Workshop I will be offering On Sunday, December 4th from 1-4pm!
How drawing our vision, changes us
I have been working daily, with the attitude that it is a habit that is as necessary and pedantic as washing my face. I recognize that regularly drawing from my life in an honest way has been an impetus for change.
I am becoming more conscious of the relationship of everyday drawing/painting to my everyday journey. Painted and drawn relationships can affect reflect the course of interactions in my daily life.
As I work on a painting, I experience how forms, colors, lines, tones and patterns are all in a relationship, dependent on each other, creating the holistic effect of my work. One change in my vision or handmade mark can totally reframe my perception and then, impact the entire drawing.
I cannot help but intuitively make the analogy between the process of exploring forms, tone, line and colors choices on paper, and the process of exploring and choosing how to handle the events in my life.
My mom is 92 years old and defies many of the expectations we have of being that age. A few weeks ago, Gloria shared her newfound respect and passion for horses. Having never heard of this interest before, we made arrangements to take her to a stable where she could visit the horses. The mission of Painted Bar Stables is also to rehabilitate rescues. Erika, the current owner, articulated in her crayoned drawing when she was five, her desire to purchase her first horse at 15 and run a stable by 25. This drawing uncannily predicted her future. She also developed a compassion for rescues and learned to rehabilitate them. As stated in her bio:
Those rescue horses taught Erika the intense need for teaching trust, confidence, and patience. To teach a horse to be a trail horse, not only does the rider need patience, but the horse did as well. By training scared, abused or abandoned horses, Erika was able to gain vast experience in relationship and trust building that has extended to her horses today.
Her stories, enthusiasm, and passion engaged us all. Gloria was able to benefit greatly by getting to be close to gentle horses! We, the family who went with her, experienced that with her. All this was possible because of a note crayoned by a five-year-old, a 92 year old, unafraid to explore something out of the box for her, and the ability of our family to listen and be open minded helping to make it happen.
Can you see how the heartfelt presence of one person in a chance interaction with another can change a perception of the world? I see how patterns of behavior can rapidly reshape us. I feel the tone in a place or group, and how it can transform the atmosphere and reshape our concept of what is possible, and what is not.
To understand the power of your vision and interactions with others and our environment, gives you an opportunity to transform the course of our world, one person at a time. you just need to understand that every little thing you do makes a difference.
Use that ability to make one small change and let me know how it has made a difference, no matter how small you perceive that change to be!
What do marathon runners and artists have in common?
Solitary tree viewed from tR's porch. #711, watercolor. 20" x 16" © beth vendryes williams
Whoah! I have just come off a two-day marathon for a juried show that challenged us to produce two pieces of artwork. One piece would be chosen for the exhibit. It had to be "en plein air" , painted in Sagamore Hill National Park during two days, rain or shine. On the second day, they had to be completed and framed and delivered by 3:30 pm!
This feat was both challenging and rewarding. The extra push to work straight through under a deadline provided a finish line. I wanted to get an honest piece done and put my doubts aside, to make that happen,
And it did! And I am in the Juried exhibit on display at the Koenig Center,Oyster Bay Historical Society. See Events calendar for more info!
To sustain my energy, I asked myself what an athlete does to prepare for an event. Consequently, it helped that I walked, did yoga and pilates, daily for a couple of months before the event. I also ate for energy and drank at least two quarts of water a day. I meditated and sketched and painted daily. At times I felt like I really was an athlete getting ready for a major event.
And I am. After a break, I am continuing theses daily habits. I like the way I feel, the way I work and the art that flows within that structure of supportive practices. What a simply rewarding way to integrate my drawing life !
How do you prepare for something big in your life? Do you have to determine how to sustain your energy level and strength to reach your potential?
Why making daily "marks" invites creative living
Japanese Garden; Memory of Nagasaki. watercolor & ink, journal, 2016.8.30 ©beth vendryes williams
How do you become more creative?
Honestly, I keep asking myself that.
When I become dissatisfied with a previous decision that suddenly limits me, I choose to watch how others have accomplished the same thing. When I become dissatisfied with a previous decision that suddenly limits me, I choose to watch how others have accomplished the same thing.
When I become dissatisfied with a course of action that suddenly limits me, I choose to observe how others have accomplished the same thing in their lives.. beth vendryes williams
Reading Madeleine L’Engle helped when I had trouble balancing my family, spirituality and art. I saw that she effectively found a way. So I kept reading her books, especially, “Walking on Water”. Then because she was on my radar, I took a writing workshop with her, even though I was a visual artist, not a writer. What a life changer that was and still is!
I encourage myself to be fearless and free, to sit with ideas that are out of my comfort zone, and then curate them,to integrate them effectively into my life..
What helps me to remember where I am now and where I want to go in my life? Writing and drawing ideas. By hand. On paper.
Writing and drawing ideas, by hand and on paper, help you remember where you've been, are now, and where you want to go. beth vendryes williams
Thank you, Madeleine!
So that has become a habit.
That habit has become 130 journals.
Those writings and sketches have become a map of my journey so far, bringing vision to my art.
What do you do to help your ideas become your reality? Let me know how you are creative in your life?
Which ways do you allow creative thinking to transform what you envision?
3 essential ways to continue the dialogue
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Energy.
Persistence.
Reflection.
All of the above played a part in pulling my work together for my Open Studio '16. It is a great way to share my work with friends and supporters. Thank you to all who helped to make it happen!
Last weekend, it became a dynamic gathering of art, ideas and conversation. Much of the exchanges were concerning two current projects, journals and finding refuge. Thank you to all who were able to come and see the art and contribute to the exchange of ideas !
This response is just what I hoped for! At the heart of my art is a desire to share and exchange ideas, creating a catalyst for understanding.
Because of my painting series on “finding refuge”, I requested that my guests write a few words about “where, who, and what is your refuge or safety". Dialogue is now continuing beyond the show. The variety of thoughtful, proactive responses is heartening.
Many online supporters can contribute their thoughts, by
- Using hashtag #findingmyrefuge on Instagram/ twitter/ Facebook.
- Joining in on the conversation, with images/ statements!
- Subscribe to my free newsletter, which contains links to my posts and my latest updates.
Your responses are expanding my personal understanding of refuge. I am now musing over how I can incorporate your ideas and images to inspire new perspectives in my refuge paintings. Please feel free to join in the conversation. And keep watching for my new work!
If you missed the hands-on exhibition, for a limited time, you can still browse at the Virtual Open Studio ’16 Shop on this website.
Take a look. Feel free to contact me with any questions in the contact section or on FB message, Instagram or Twitter. Of course to get the latest news in your inbox, subscribe for your free monthly newsletter!
How spring resonates
petite garden windows watercolor 4" x 6" landscape bvw 499.
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. —Harper Lee (1926-2016), To Kill a Mockingbird”
A new beginning!
Aah, the daffodils are up, and there is a delicate fragrance hovering. Spring is in the air. It brings hope, inspires me, and now I am in the studio beginning a new project! So I start by drawing. My drawings will lead me through my next body of work.
Sometimes I look for the logic in that… why I am in the studio.
Intuitively, I just feel like it is my “work” to be witness to what I see. I like the challenge of defining the spaces between objects, the interactions between positive and negative spaces and how the “point of view” is only that of the person drawing. It changes every time I change…my physical position by sitting or standing, and even how I look by using my left eye or my right. How I feel emotionally and spiritually affects how I interpret what I observe.
So drawing helps me to understand the effect of all of these things. It makes me more aware that life is very different for each person because we each look through a different prism.
> You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. --Harper Lee (1926-2016), To Kill a Mockingbird
So I guess I draw to keep myself honest and to check and recheck my perspective. For both my art…and my life.
Ultimately, he actual object, “the drawing”, is like a map describing my vision, and it will undoubtedly be interpreted very differently by each one of you as you view it. How intriguing is that!
So I will get myself in the studio to work on my project, "finding refuge" .Now if you could share with mw what makes you feel safe and embraced in the world amidst its uncertainties that would be incredible! I would love to understand what's important from your point of view. Comment, emaill, fb, tweet, instagram, etc.
how the habit of sketching makes a scaffolding for life
luminous snow shadows landscape, charcoal, 6"x 6" , 2016
beth vendryes williams
This fresh new year is taking us by storm! I am in the studio every day working on a new project! My art is evolving as I explore one hundred and five journals created over my lifetime!
We are preparing for some construction, and my former art room will be dismantled soon. I have begun to move my journals to my working studio so they would be safe. I ventured to turn the pages of journals I haven’t looked at in 20 years! Threads of similar themes are revealing themselves. I see gardens, the hours of varying degrees of light, darkness, time of day. There are newspaper photos of people leaving, suffering, going to and coming from war. These images are all threads,rebuilding a scaffold for my art and thoughts over time!
Suddenly I can see what a treasure trove I have. They chart a map of my concerns and investigations over the years, leaving sketches, like blueprints over time. I have documentation of my development as a person/artist.I can see who was an integral part of my life and who was someone I just saw in the street. Mostly I see everyday interactions and places. What a gift to research through. It deepens my work as I observe.
As the exploration accelerates, I am documenting my process and thoughts in my posts as well as in social media. You will see AND have a part in how it unfolds! Add your input, which will help to shape my work!
I hope you have also begun to venture onto your creative path in your life. Never underestimate the importance of that.
Share your explorations and discoveries with me in the comments. You would be surprised how it might help someone who is struggling to make room for creative thinking! Receive update of the process and latest art by subscribing here!
petite garden 2
I'm playing catch up to get my paintings because I fell behinf technologically getting the paintings into into Leslie Saeta's 30 in 30 blog site,
so enjoy this one and on her site!
Always love to here thoughts, ideas, suggestions and how you connect with the work!